President to Afghan warriors: I am grateful to everyone who started defending Ukraine having changed civilian clothes to the military uniform

14 February 2018 - 13:35

The Ukrainian Afghan soldiers came to the Maidan from the first day, protesting with the Ukrainian people against the regime's oppression. They were the first to protect Ukraine from Russian aggression in the most difficult months of war. And they are still at the front of the struggle with the aggressor. It was stated by President Petro Poroshenko at a solemn meeting on the Day of Commemoration of Combatants in the Territory of Other States and the 29th anniversary of the withdrawal of troops from the Republic of Afghanistan.

“Today, many of those who came to the Maidan on the first day are present in this hall. They stood side by side with the Ukrainian people. It was a protest against the regime’s tyranny. Everyone was impressed by the organization and determination of the Afghan veterans who played an important role in the fact that our Maidan withstood. The Revolution of Dignity won due to your efforts," Petro Poroshenko addressed the audience.

The President noted the importance of using the military experience of the Afghan warriors for the Ukrainian troops: “Hundreds of Afghan veterans are on the frontline of fight against the aggressor, fulfilling the most difficult tasks in the ranks of the AFU, the National Guard, the State Border Service, the Security Service and other military institutions,” he added.

“We will always remember how many veterans of Afghanistan gave life defending the Homeland,” the Head of State stressed.

The attendees honored memory of the deceased with a moment of silence.

“I am grateful to those who changed civilian clothes for the military uniform and started defending the Ukrainian land. Your military experience is necessary for the state,” Petro Poroshenko emphasized.

“We are proud of the self-sacrifice of those who took weapons to defend the state, who joined the volunteer movement”. According to him, it was especially important during the first months when there was no capable army.

The President noted that foreign advisors came to Ukraine and positively assessed the modern AFU. “In the first months they came to share the experience and now they also learn from us,” he said.